Barn Cat Program

About the barn cat program

When Austin Pets Alive! rescues poorly socialized kitties from the shelter, sometimes we have to consider non-traditional adoption placement. In fact, APA! places hundreds of barn cats each year, which contributes to Austin’s no-kill status.

APA! believes these kitties don’t deserve to die simply because they can’t go into a typical home environment. We recognize that they deserve shelter, access to food and water, and the stimulation of “critter hunting” that a barn placement provides.

APA! Barn Cats come from the euthanasia list of animal control and this program serves as their only live path out of impoundment. These cats cannot be adopted as traditional pets, are not eligible for Trap Neuter Return and, for one reason or another, cannot be returned to their original outdoor habitat, which is always preferable. Without this program, feral cats would be euthanized at local animal control facilities.

Instead, these cats are sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, and adopted to families who appreciate ‘working cats’ for critter patrol and can provide a safe, appropriate environment such as a barn, stable, garage, or warehouse.

The Barn Cat Program is a win-win for both the cats and adopters! Cats enjoy safe outdoor homes with shelter and a caregiver, and adopters enjoy having healthy, sterilized cats happily tend to their mouse, snake, or vermin troubles.

Program Achievements

Found homes for over 200 barn cats in 2016

Because of our barn program partnering with Georgetown Animal Control to accept their impounded ferals, they have been able to sustain 90%+ live release rates for several months

Interested in adopting a barn cat and housing some of APA!’s most lovable free spirits?Check out the Barn Cat Adoption FAQ and fill out the adoption questionnaire here. For more information, contact us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.